Brickie is best in Britain

Gavin Campbell

A brickie from Bo’ness has been named Britain’s best tradesperson after winning a national competition.

Richie Maxwell, who lived in Bo’ness until he was 27 before moving to Tillicoultry with his family, travelled to Wembley for the final of the Screwfix competition which aims to find the country’s top tradesperson.

Richie was interviewed by a panel of industry experts where he had to prove to them why he should be crowned winner of the competition.

John Mewett marketing director at Screwfix said: “It was a privilege to highlight the great work being done by tradepeople up and down the country.”

It was not until a week later Richie received a phone call letting him know he had won the title of top tradesperson as well as a new van worth £32,000.

He said: “I think I have the right personality for my trade. I can connect with customers and also help inspire and motivate colleagues.

“It is an amazing feeling to win and I can proudly say I am Britain’s top tradesperson.”